A POSTMASTER ambushed by masked raiders has told how he remains mentally and physically scarred two weeks on from the terrifying raid.

A POSTMASTER ambushed by masked raiders has told how he remains mentally and physically scarred two weeks on from the terrifying raid.

Ian McIntosh watched on helplessly as balaclava-clad robbers emptied the safe at Greenside Post Office when he was pounced on moments after opening his shop.

Today, detectives hunting the robbers have made a new appeal for witnesses on the two-week anniversary of the raid, and released details of their getaway car.

And Ian, 55, told the Chronicle how he still suffers flashbacks.

He said: “You try to put a brave face on it. I’m trying not to dwell on the fact that it happened, but every time I open the back door to the store room where it happened, I think it’s going to happen again.”

Ian had opened the post office in Greenside, Gateshead, at about 9am on December 9.

But around 20 minutes later, he went into the back of the shop

One raider pounced on him and knocked him to the ground, then a second masked robber came in and kicked him in the ribs.

Then a third man came and stood on his legs while the two accomplices emptied his safe.

The robbers had got in through the back of the shop.

Detectives now know the getaway vehicle used by the three offenders was a black Vauxhall Insignia.

Det Sgt Barbara McGough said: “We’re still appealing for witnesses and we’re hoping people who were in and around the Post Office might remember seeing a black Vauxhall Insignia.

“If anyone saw the car, something suspicious or the three men we’re looking for, we’d ask them to contact police.”

“It is believed the three men who were wearing balaclavas got into the shop via a rear entrance.”

The first man is described as 5ft 8ins tall, carrying a dark blue bag. The second man is around being 6ft 2ins tall and the third man as approximately 6ft tall.

As the hunt continues Ian is trying to maintain business as usual at the Post Office in the busy run-up to Christmas.

And he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from his customers and neighbours.

“Things will not be back to normal for quite some time,” he said. “I’m still in a bit of pain and still on painkillers and I have still got bruises.

“Mentally it’s still a shock, and I don’t know how long it takes to get over a shock like that.

“The amount of support I have had from people inside the village and outside has been overwhelming. I would like to give a big thank you to the people of Greenside for that kind of support.”

Anyone with any information should call Northumbria Police on 101, ext 69191, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111